Learn English quickly with podcast | English learning Conversation | Episode 29

Key Concepts

Junk food, chocolate sundae, cholesterol, fried chicken, clog (arteries), down the street, better yet, lost cause.

Language Takeaway

Chocolate Sundae

A chocolate sundae is an ice cream dessert, typically vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce and a cherry on top, served in a cup or bowl. The spelling is "sundae" (s-u-n-d-a-e) to differentiate it from the day "Sunday" (s-u-n-d-a-y).

Junk Food

Junk food refers to food that is not healthy and should be avoided, but is often delicious. Examples include hamburgers, French fries, and chocolate sundaes.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in animal products, such as beef. High cholesterol can lead to health problems. Doctors often advise patients to lower their cholesterol by eating less red meat and more fruits and vegetables.

Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is chicken cooked in hot oil, often covered in a batter (milk, egg, flour). It is typically crispy, salty, and greasy.

Fluency Builder

Down the Street

"Down the street" means nearby, on the same street, or a short walk away. Example: "My apartment is just down the street from this park."

Clog Up (Arteries)

"Clog up" means to obstruct or get in the way. If a drain is clogged, water cannot flow through it. Cholesterol can clog up arteries, preventing blood from flowing properly, potentially leading to heart problems.

Better Yet

"Better yet" is used to introduce a better idea than the one previously suggested. It can be used in the middle of a sentence as an interjection. Example: "Let's go swimming, better yet, let's go play basketball."

Lost Cause

"Lost cause" describes a situation or person that is hopeless or cannot be changed. It implies that any effort to improve the situation will be futile.

Additional Discussion

Cholesterol Types

There are two types of cholesterol: HDLs (good cholesterol) and LDLs (bad cholesterol). High levels of bad cholesterol are a health concern.

Junk Food Examples

Potato chips, hot dogs, pizza, and fried chicken are all considered junk food due to their high cholesterol or calorie content.

Local Junk Food

Different cultures have their own versions of junk food. For example, in the Middle East, shawarma wraps can be considered a type of junk food due to their greasiness.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The dialogue and discussion highlight the dangers of consuming junk food, emphasizing its high cholesterol content and potential to clog arteries. While delicious, these foods can lead to long-term health problems. The speakers also introduce useful phrases for giving directions ("down the street"), offering suggestions ("better yet"), and expressing hopelessness ("lost cause"). The importance of understanding cholesterol types and balancing one's diet with vegetables and fruits is also stressed.